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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Singing Time (& Speech Time) Shout Out

At church, I help the Primary children ages 3-11 learn songs that help them learn principles about a monthly topic and for a performance in the fall. One of the best ways to learn the songs is repetition, repetition, repetition. But the key is helping the kids have fun while they sing the same songs over and over again, and that's why I created Singing Time Shout Out. (Repetition is also often the key in Speech Therapy. My SLP friends can see some ideas below)

Singing Time Shout Out has 31+ ways to sing without any added preparation or props. Sing it loud, or soft, without the piano, with your eyes closed, play hot potato or hot and cold. There are many different options.

For young children (Junior Primary): I hand each child a card. If they have been singing well, I have them choose one of the six images which indicates how to sing the song next.

For older children (Senior Primary): I have them compare their card to the person's card next to them. Each card has one, and only match, to every other card. When they find the match, we sing according to that image.

Singing Time Shout Out comes with 31 playing cards. It also has some extra cards to facilitate some of the games, including Hot Potato and Red Light, Green Light.

Speech Therapists: Most of the different ways to sing are also compatible with different ways to speak. Practice saying words with emotions, loud, soft, use a mirror, crazy voices, clap or drum the syllables, fast, slow, say the word/phrase 1, 2, 3 or 4 times or more. The only two symbols which are less compatible with speech are "without a piano" and "musical instruments." For "without a piano", I would recommend trying to say a phrase in a monotone voice. For "musical instrument" I would have the client speak in a sing song voice or repeat a sound as if playing an instrument.

So consider finding a good singing teacher who relates to your style of music. Prepare well for your lessons. Be on the lookout for songs that are wonderful and powerful. Songs that you think your voice can now or one day will handle well.SingingMasteryOnline

About Me

As a mother of 5 kids at home, ranging from 2 years old to teen, I keep hopping as a taxi driver, teacher, consultant, personal trainer, planner, nurse and entertainer. I love being with my family, having family dinners and those choice moments and activities that bring us all together.
I created Shout Out games as similar style games were one of the few games that our whole family could play together. It truly spans the ages. I also saw so much potential in using games to learn-as-you-play. (Let's face it, I don't want to do sight words flash cards again with my two youngest. There's got to be a better way, and now there is!)
I love languages and I've studied Spanish, Russian and Korean. I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love trying to make holidays special (love last minute instant printables). My kids have all needed some speech therapy. As you can tell, most of my games and inspiration come from my interactions with my family. One moment it may be preschool, the next an upcoming holiday, or some days its working on speech therapy homework. Please let me know what games you would use in your home, family, class or life.